Nelson Horinhori@scusd.net
Teresa Posas (A–L)tposas@scusd.net
Jean Wang (M–Z)jewang@scusd.net
Katie Bennett (A–Gn)kbennett@scusd.net
Daniela Azuela (Go–O)dazuela@scusd.net
Richard Mendoza (P–Z)rmendozajr@scusd.net
WASC Initial Accreditation 2022–2023
Class of 2026: 99%
52 teachers
12th:205
11th:218
10th:196
9th:240
Total students859
MacDonald High School is located in north San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley. The South Bay is home to nearly 2 million residents and many globally recognized companies. San Jose, the largest city in the South Bay, has a population of nearly 1 million. MacDonald is located near several of the largest and most influential technology companies in the global market, including NVIDIA, Cisco Systems, AMD, and Applied Materials, and is just three miles from Levi's Stadium.
MacDonald High School is a comprehensive, coeducational public high school in San Jose, California, United States. It is one of three comprehensive high schools in the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD). MacDonald received initial accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) through the 2025–2026 school year. MacDonald is currently in a WASC review year, with a visiting committee scheduled to visit our campus in March 2027.
MacDonald High School opened at the start of the 2022–23 school year with only a ninth-grade class. Since then, the school has added one grade level each year. In June 2026, MacDonald graduated its first senior class.
MacDonald High School was founded as an art and design school. We currently offer a Computer Science pathway, an Engineering & Design pathway, and an Art pathway. The Engineering & Design pathway launched last year. Product Design is the second course of this pathway.
We currently offer 16 AP classes and two Honors classes. Most of our teachers use a standards-based grading system. Additionally, we're a fully inclusive school where students with disabilities are served in general education or co-taught classes.
Our students earn credits and final grades at the end of the first and second semesters. During the year, they receive a quarter report and two progress reports before final exams. On our transcripts, classes that meet the University of California's A–G requirements are noted with a "p" next to the course, indicating that the class is college preparatory. These grades then factor into a student's college eligibility GPA.
In addition, all AP and some Honors courses are given extra weight toward the GPA. This is noted with a "+" sign next to the course. We do not rank students, per district policy.
Students take 6 classes, with an option for a 7th.
First Semester08/10/26 – 12/18/26
Second Semester01/05/27 – 06/04/27
Class RankNone
GPA Scale0–4.0
Grading: A, B, C, and D are passing grades; (M) = modified grade (special education).
Hispanic or Latino44.9%
Asian (non-Hispanic)19.7%
Filipino11.6%
White11.2%
Multiracial8.2%
African American3.4%
Pacific Islander0.1%
Native American0.4%
English Learners11.9%
Students with Disabilities16.9%
Students must earn 230 credits in the following subject areas along with 20 hours of community service:
| Subject Area | Years | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | 40 |
| Math | 2 | 20 |
| Social Science | 3 | 30 |
| Science | 2 | 20 |
| Foreign Lang. | 1 | 10 |
| Fine Arts | sem. | 5 |
| Practical Arts | sem. | 5 |
| Fine/Practical | sem. | 5 |
| PE | 2 | 20 |
| Health | sem. | 5 |
| Electives | — | 65 |
| Total | 225 |
AP Scores: May 2026
UC11.2%
CSU18.3%
Private/Out-of-State7.1%
International1.0%
Community College49.2%
Other / not reported13.2%
SVCTE is the regional career technical education program for Santa Clara County. SVCTE offers state-of-the-art programs taught by industry professionals who engage students in rigorous, real-world academics and skills development designed to support their success through college and in their future careers. Students who take classes here take the equivalent of three class periods at SVCTE and three or four classes at MacDonald. Many of these classes meet the A–G college requirements.
The State Seal of Biliteracy (SSB), marked by a gold seal on the diploma or transcript, recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English. At MacDonald, we offer both American Sign Language and Spanish.
The State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) is awarded to California public school students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. By adopting these criteria, California joined a small but growing number of states that formally recognize and promote student civic engagement with seals to affix to student transcripts, diplomas, or certificates of completion.
+ indicates weighted grade · * no longer offered